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TextResources for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children
For Those in Fairfax County and the Cities of Falls Church and Fairfax
In 2007, the U.S. Census counted 3,498 grandparents in Fairfax County raising their grandchildren. Many different situations prompted these relatives to open their hearts and homes to these children. The Fairfax County Kinship Care Committee, working with Fairfax County Public Schools and the county's departments of Family Services and Community and Recreation Services, helps these special families in Fairfax County and the cities of Fairfax and Falls Church in various ways:
Grandparent Support Groups:
Groups meet twice monthly at two sites in the county. The Pennino Building, 12011 Government Center Parkway, Fairfax, is the site of meetings on scheduled Tuesdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Bryant Alternative High School, 2709 Popkins Lane, Alexandria, has meetings on scheduled Thursdays from 6:30 to 8 p.m. There is no cost, childcare is provided, but registration is required. For more information, contact: Robin Hamby, 703-277-2640, or Nancy Coffey 703-324-7723. Register by calling the Kinship Registration Line at 703-324-3517, TTY 703-449-1186.
Kinship Respite Days:
This is a day of respite for grandparents and others raising relative children. The children will enjoy fun activities and crafts at a community center, while grandparents or caretaking relatives spend some time to themselves. Registration is required. For more information, call Nancy Coffey, 703-324-7723, TTY 703-222-9693. To register, call the Kinship Registration Line at 703-324-3517, TTY 703-449-1186.
Kinship Care Resource Guide for Grandparents and Other Relatives Raising Children:
The Kinship Care Resource Guide lists over 100 pages of programs and services that are applicable for Kinship Care families in Northern Virginia. The guide includes eligibility requirements, cost, and contact information for programs and services such as: school registration, child care, medical and legal assistance, services for older adults, recreational activities, and many other topics. This guide is free of charge, and is also available on the Fairfax County Web site. To request a copy, call 703-324-5870; TTY 703-222-9452, or go online at www.fairfaxcounty.gov/dfs/factsheets/kinship_care_guide.htm.
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